In pictures: Record numbers at LandAid SleepOut in Cambridge raise more than £30,000 to help homeless young people

A record number of people took part in the LandAid SleepOut fundraiser, raising more than £30,000 by braving a night outside in close to freezing conditions.

More than 100 property professionals from the Eastern region took part last Thursday (March 2) at Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club.

The money will be donated to YMCA Trinity, which supports young people move from dependence to independence. The funds will convert an Ipwich office building into 36 move-on flats for young people currently living in accommodation with intensive support.

Jonathan Martin, CEO of YMCA Trinity, said: “The facility will enable young people to move on positively from hostel accommodation, but with the YMCA support still very much there to fall back on. This development is only possible with support from LandAid’s SleepOut for which we are extremely thankful. In addition, we have already benefitted from some LandAid pro bono help from Sweco Group PLC to get the project off the ground.”

Howard Group CEO Nicholas Bewes and five colleagues were among those involved, raising more than £4,000.

Nicholas said: “It was fantastic to be part of the event on Thursday with record breaking numbers of participants from across the property industry coming together in support of this incredibly important cause. The amount raised will make a significant impact as we work together to end youth homelessness, not only in our region, but across the country. It was a truly inspiring event and I add our thanks to all those that participated, either by sleeping out on the night or via sponsorship.”

LandAid is the property industry charity that works to end youth homelessness in the UK. Its events across the UK this year involved nearly 1,300 participants and raised a total of £500,000.

Sleep-outs were also held in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol and London.

Paul Morrish, chief executive of LandAid, said: “At LandAid our mission is to end youth homelessness through harnessing the power and support of the property industry. Sadly, we know that the number of young people between the ages of 16-25 years who need housing support is growing.

“That’s where our annual LandAid SleepOut comes in, to raise much-needed funds. Although an organised SleepOut can never replicate the hardship, hopelessness, loneliness, and fear of sleeping rough, night after night, it gives people an insight into this world and galvanises support for the cause. I’m delighted that the event went so well, and helped raise such a fantastic sum, and so grateful to everyone who helped, and took part.”

Bidwells was regional sponsor, while Knight Frank was national sponsor.

You can still donate at https://join.landaid.org/event/sleepout-2023/donate or find out more about the charity at www.landaid.org.